JJ joins Kick It Out as ambassador

Wycombe Wanderers defender Joe Jacobson has been announced as an ambassador for Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation.

The 31-year-old defender, who has enjoyed a 13-year career playing for the likes of Bristol Rovers, Shrewsbury Town and Wycombe Wanderers to date, will help endorse the messages of Kick It Out by providing support with events and initiatives run by the organisation.

Joe recently supported Kick It Out in November 2017 when he joined Paul Mortimer, Professional Players Engagement Manager at the organisation, for an educational workshop at Chiltern Way Academy.

During the event, Joe shared his experiences of being a Jewish professional footballer by reflecting on his experience of faith and football with the pupils, in particular discussing the negative impact surrounding the use of the Y-word.

The Ambassador programme at Kick It Out brings together a number of footballers from diverse backgrounds across the Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League and beyond to champion the organisation’s core messages of equality and inclusion.

Joe will join Wycombe teammate Michael Harriman, as well as the likes of AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, Barcelona star Toni Duggan and Stoke City and England goalkeeper Jack Butland as an ambassador.

Upon his announcement, Joe was pleased to show his support for Kick It Out: “I’ve always been more than happy to support a variety of Kick It Out programmes and play my part in helping to educate about equality and inclusion, particularly being one of the few Jewish players in the professional game.

“I’m thrilled to be invited to become a Kick It Out ambassador and look forward to working more closely with the organisation to help them continue the excellent work that they do.”

Joe’s manager, Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth, said: “Joe is a true professional on and off the pitch and everyone at Wycombe Wanderers has great respect for the time and effort that he puts into helping both the local community and the football community as a whole.

“It’s brilliant to see him rewarded with a prestigious ambassador role within Kick It Out and I know he’ll do a brilliant job in supporting their work in equality and inclusion.”

Paul Mortimer was also delighted to welcome Joe to the cohort of ambassadors.

“It is great to have such a fantastic role model such as Joe join Kick It Out.

“Following our event at Chiltern Way Academy this season, I felt Joe would be a brilliant ambassador for the organisation and I am delighted he has agreed to help promote our messages of equality and inclusion.”